Lostprophets Singer Ian Watkins Denies Raping Baby

Lostprophets lead singer Ian Watkins has pleaded not guilty to at least 23 sex offenses, including allegations that he twice raped a baby under 12 months old and that he aided the assault of another infant.

Watkins, 35, denied the charges in a Wales court via video link from prison, according to WalesOnline. He thanked family and friends in a statement read outside the court.

"Your support gives me strength," he said. "I deny all the allegations made against me and will continue to fight to the end to clear my name."

The singer was charged along with two women. He pleaded not guilty to two counts of raping a child in April 2012 and conspiring to assault another child last August and October. He is also accused of conspiracy to rape and sexually assault the same child.

Other charges involve possession of child pornography dating back to 2007. A 24th charge accuses Watkins of possessing images of beastiality.

The two women also denied all the charges. The next hearing is set for Thursday.

Watkins was arrested in December on charges of "conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a female under 13 and possession/distribution of indecent images of children."

Lostprophets was formed in 1997 and had a chart-topping British album in 2006 with "Liberation Transmission." They scored a No. 1 hit on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart in 2004 with "Last Train Home."